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Few trees herald spring as exuberantly as a redbud tree (Cercis spp.). With its profusion of brilliant, magenta flowers, a redbud tree is a welcome sight after winter for many people. Planted in the correct location, a redbud tree is a suitable landscape tree or shrub throughout the year. The time to plant a redbud tree depends mostly on your climate, but a few general rules apply.

Species

When most people think of a redbud tree, they think of eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis), which is native to North America and Central America and is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 to 8. Western gardeners may be familiar with California redbud (Cercis occidentalis), also known as Western redbud, which is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 7 through 9 and is native to California, Nevada, southern Utah and Arizona. A tree in each species has kidney-shaped leaves and an upright or shrubby form, but an eastern redbud grows 20 to 30 feet tall while a California redbud remains under 20 feet tall. California redbud is also much more drought-tolerant than eastern redbud, making it a better choice for dry climates.

Planting Time

Redbud, like most trees, grows best when planted during cool, rainy weather. During hot weather, it suffers more transplant shock and might be slow to develop a root system. When the ground is frozen, its roots cannot move through the soil. Planting a redbud tree during very cold weather also can cause it to dry out. Depending on your climate, the best time to plant any tree is usually in spring or early fall, according to the Virginia Department of Forestry's website. In mild climates, however, a tree can be planted in winter.

Location

Choose the planting location for a redbud tree carefully. It can tolerate partial shade but grows and blooms better if placed in a site that has full sun exposure. A redbud tolerates most kinds of soil as long as it drains well. Redbud is susceptible to the fungus verticillium wilt, which lives in soil. Avoid planting the tree in an area that might be contaminated with that disease. Infected trees show wilt and eventually die, as there is no cure once the tree is infected. Western redbud often is pruned and grown as a shrub in mixed plantings or as a foundation plant. Eastern redbud needs more space and usually is grown as a specimen tree. Both trees have low-growing branches; plant either tree away from paths and walkways.

Planting Tips

How you plant a redbud tree is as important as when you plant it. The tree doesn't transplant well so it's important to plant in a permanent location while the tree is still young. A redbud doesn't tolerate heavy clay or compacted soil that tends to drain poorly. Break up such soil, and amend it with compost to lighten its consistency. The planting hole for your redbud tree should be twice as wide and almost as deep as the tree's root ball. The top of the root ball should sit 1 to 2 inches taller than the soil surrounding the hole. Don't worry about adding fertilizer to the planting hole, but water the tree regularly during dry weather for its first growing season or its first two growing seasons. Once established, a redbud tree needs infrequent watering, depending on its species.

About the Author

Julie Christensen is a food writer, caterer, and mom-chef. She's the creator of MarmaladeMom.org, dedicated to family fun and delicious food, and released a book titled "More Than Pot Roast: Fast, Fresh Slow Cooker Recipes."

Photo Credits

Ryan McVay/Lifesize/Getty Images

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Christensen, Julie. "What Time of the Year to Plant a Redbud Tree." Home Guides | SF Gate, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/time-year-plant-redbud-tree-71483.html. 12 January 2018.

Christensen, Julie. (2018, January 12). What Time of the Year to Plant a Redbud Tree. Home Guides | SF Gate. Retrieved from http://homeguides.sfgate.com/time-year-plant-redbud-tree-71483.html

Christensen, Julie. "What Time of the Year to Plant a Redbud Tree" last modified January 12, 2018. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/time-year-plant-redbud-tree-71483.html

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